Electrophysiology

The cardiac subspecialty of electrophysiology (EP) diagnoses and treats arrhythmias. This includes use of pacemakers to treat bradycardia, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) for tachycardia, heart failure and patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest, and cardiac ablation treatments to treat heart rhythm disorders.

FDA approves new short-term treatment for AFib, atrial flutter in critical care settings

Landiolol, sold by AOP Health under the brand name Rapiblyk, is an intravenous treatment designed to start working right away.

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with the Watchman FLX device from Boston Scientific is associated with positive outcomes and limited adverse events after one year, according to new findings published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions.[1] Many prior Watchman FLX studies, including PINNACLE FLX, had focused on the device’s performance in a controlled setting. The study’s authors hoped to gain a better understanding of its real-world impact by reviewing registry data from more than 97,000 U.S

LAAC with Watchman FLX reduces bleeding risks after AFib ablation

The new data, presented during AHA Scientific Sessions 2024, suggest LAAC with Boston Scientific's Watchman FLX could be a safe, effective alternative to OAC for limiting post-ablation strokes.

Immediate Past President of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Hadley Wilson, MD, FACC, executive vice chair of Atrium Health Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute and a clinical professor of medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, details the top late-breaking studies at AHA 2024. #AHA24 #AHA2024

9 key takeaways from AHA 2024 in Chicago

Hadley Wilson, MD, spoke to Cardiovascular Business at the three-day event to discuss key late-breaking studies and trends. Topics included new drug treatments, AI and much more.

Predicting sudden cardiac death after a heart attack may be impossible—for now

Researchers tried to crack the code, but they fell short time and time again. AI may offer potential as one way to finally find an answer, they added. 

heart surgery surgeons

Concomitant ablation surgery during heart operations boosts long-term survival

Treating AFib with surgical ablation during mitral valve surgery and other common heart operations can help patients live longer, a new meta-analysis confirmed.

The late-breaking U.S. multicenter admIRE clinical trial at the Heart Rhythm Society 2024 meeting, showed positive data on the long-term safety and effectiveness of the the Biosense Webster Varipulse pulsed field ablation (PFA) system in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. #HRS #HRS2024 #PFA

Johnson & Johnson MedTech gains FDA approval for Varipulse PFA system

Johnson & Johnson is now the third company with an FDA-approved PFA system in its portfolio, joining Medtronic and Boston Scientific. Varipulse previously gained CE mark approval in February. 

merger acquisition M&A business

Boston Scientific agrees to acquire AFib ablation company

Boston Scientific has scooped up Cortex, a healthcare technology company launched by the venture capital firm Ajax Health in 2023, in a move that will expand its EP offerings.

The entrance to the AHA expo and technology floor. #AHA22

American Heart Association announces late-breaking research for Scientific Sessions 2024

The three-day conference begins Saturday, Nov. 16, in Chicago. Topics will include AI, heart failure, patient management and much more. 

Around the web

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.